December 29, 2022, 4:30 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Greece is once again a top destination for vacationers this year. However, those who don’t want to share the Greek islands, beaches, and bays with hundreds of other tourists should consider the smaller, yet equally beautiful, sister islands of well-known destinations like Santorini, Corfu, or Kos.
Whether it’s chic Mykonos, lush Corfu, or popular Santorini, Greece is famous for its many islands. But beyond the major tourist magnets, there are smaller neighbors worth visiting. TRAVELBOOK, together with the Greek tourism website “Discover Greece,” has compiled some of the most beautiful hidden gem islands in Greece. They are perfect for a full vacation or for relaxed island hopping when staying on the larger sister islands.
Find more inspiration for travel destinations in Greece in our special podcast episode In 5 Minutes Around the World:
Overview
11 Islands in Greece That Are Still True Hidden Gems
Angistri
Many Athens tourists include a short trip to Aegina or the car-free Hydra during their city visit. While very popular among Athens residents, Angistri is relatively unknown to travelers. Yet, the island has much to offer. Dense forests, pebble beaches, and clear waters make it a worthwhile excursion. The ferry takes about two hours, while the hydrofoil takes only about 45 minutes. Angistri is especially popular with active vacationers who can enjoy a very nice hike here. The most beautiful beaches are Aponisos Beach and Dragonera Beach.
Also interesting: The 11 Most Beautiful Islands in Greece
Alonissos
Near the Sporades island of Skiathos, which is very popular with celebrities, lies the next Greek island still considered a hidden gem: the compact Alonissos. The island is home to Greece’s first marine national park, boasting a great diversity of species. In addition to dolphins and rare seabirds, the Mediterranean monk seal can be found here. The old town, Chora, is situated at an elevation of 260 meters and was built in the shape of an amphitheater. Alonissos can be reached in one to two hours by ferry or catamaran from Skiathos.
Skopelos
Also close to Skiathos is Skopelos. The northeast and east of the rocky Sporades island are very steep and partly inaccessible, but the west and south coasts are all the more beautiful: The air is filled with the scent of sage, and numerous beautiful bays and beaches line the coast, such as the long Limnonari Beach with white sand and turquoise sea. Skopelos also offers numerous outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.
Paxos and Antipaxos
Also interesting: Greece Makes Hundreds of Beaches Accessible
The proverbial star of the Ionian Sea is, of course, Corfu. The island, where Austrian Empress Sisi had a palace built, is known for its lush nature and Venetian architecture. With Paxos and Antipaxos, Corfu has two interesting neighbors. Paxos impresses with high cliffs and winding coastal caves best explored by boat. Even smaller than Paxos is Antipaxos, only three kilometers long. Only about 40 people live here permanently, offering visitors a true escape.
Irakleia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi, and Donousa
Naxos, one of the largest islands in the country, has four neighbors that can be discovered by ferry like a string of pearls. Irakleia offers beach and tranquility with a touch of bohemian flair, Schinoussa has a large selection of restaurants for its size, Koufonissi boasts white beaches, and Donousa impresses with its remoteness and spectacular views of the deep blue Aegean.
Anafi
One of the most popular islands not only in Greece but worldwide is Santorini. With its towns perched on the cliffs of a volcanic crater, the island is so unique that visitors can hardly resist its charm. Consequently, Santorini is crowded in the summer months and is a popular stop for cruise ships. In contrast, the relatively untouched island of Anafi can be reached from Santorini by ferry in about two hours.
Astypalea
The greatest fortune and the reason why Astypalea is still among Greece’s hidden gem islands: It is hardly developed for tourism. The small island is a true tiny gem, located in the southern Aegean–and has much to offer: quaint taverns serving freshly caught fish, for example, and a cozy old town crowned by the ruins of an ancient fortress. From Athens, Olympic Air and Sunexpress fly to Astypalea in 40 minutes. From Piraeus, you can take a ferry to the island–even with your own car.